Plant Physiology.of behaviour of plants.

It's about plant phycology and it's responses to the environment

1. Plant Physiology (Bot-413) By Syed Sabir Hussain Shah

2. Introduction Plant physiology is branch of Botany that deals with the scientific study of how plants function, including their processes, behavior, and interactions with the environment. It includes many aspects of plant life, including nutrition, movement, and growth. Plant  physiology  is the study of all of a plant's internal functions, including the chemical and physical processes that are connected with life in plants.

3. Cont.. Phytochemistry (the study of plant biochemistry) and phytopathology are two major subdisciplines of plant physiology (the study of disease in plants).  Plant physiology, is concerned with the interactions of cells, tissues, and organs inside a plant. Physically and chemically, different  cells  and tissues are specialised to fulfil different roles.

4. Cont.. The purpose of the roots and rhizoids is to anchor the plant and acquire minerals from the soil. In order to create nutrition, leaves capture light. Minerals from the roots must be delivered to the leaves, and nutrients generated in the leaves must be transported to the roots, for both of these organs to remain alive. Plants have created a variety of mechanisms to perform this transport, such as vascular tissue, and plant physiologists study how these varied forms of transport work.

5. Cont.. Plant physiologists, on the other hand, investigate how plants govern and regulate their internal activities.   Hormones  are created in one area of the plant to tell  cells  in another section of the plant to respond, just as they are in mammals. Because of light-sensitive chemicals that respond to the length of the night, many blooming plants bloom at the right time, a phenomenon known as photoperiodism . The plant's production of the gas ethylene regulates the ripening of fruit and the loss of leaves in the winter.

6. History Stephen Hales in 17 th century made important discoveries about water relations in plants Hales also investigated plant interactions with air. He is also considered the founder of plant physiology Julius von Sachs unified the pieces of plant physiology and put them together as a discipline.

7. Important Aspects of Crop Physiology Breeding of Plants : Crop modification is a common method in agriculture. Crop modification through breeding results in alterations in the plant’s genomic structure. It aids farmers in the growth of crops with more advantageous characteristics. In this scenario, bigger vegetables/fruits or seeds are an example since they are more cost-effective. Another important application is the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops. Such crops may be grown in a variety of extreme environments. Farmers can now create pest-resistant crops. These products are less likely to be harmed, resulting in lowered agricultural losses.

8. Cont.. Plant breeding has progressed significantly : Many new developments have occurred in the field of plant breeding. These discoveries are founded on plant physiology research conducted by Gregor Mendel. His research contributed to the understanding of recessive and dominant genes. For so many years, the results were overlooked. Plant breeders later gained a better grasp of breeding methods and genetics thanks to the same discoveries. Crop breeding innovation is extensively utilized, and it comprises procedures that allow growers to select a plant with durable qualities. Other advancements in the sector involve cross-pollination, self-pollination, and molecular methods to genetically change the organism.

9. Cont.. Plant domestication : Domestication is another key aspect of agricultural activity. It aids in the development of disease resistance. It also helps to boost drought resistance. Domestication also makes harvesting more convenient. Another advantage of domestication is that the taste of the crops enhances. Lastly, domestication improves the food’s nutritious worth, another advantage of plant domestication. Crop physiology awareness also aids farmers in comprehending the impacts of different agricultural strategies like pest control with drugs, fertilizer use, and development control with chemicals.

10. Cont.. Plant Genetic Engineering : It is vital to investigate the physiological characteristics of plants to evaluate the consequences of genetic engineering. GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are organisms with altered genes. The genetic components are altered using genetic engineering procedures, and recombinant DNA technology is another name. These methods are frequently employed in the development of newer crops. Other advantages of genetically engineered plants include greater nutrient benefits, better durability, and improved disease and insect resistance.

11. Cont.. Seeds that are resistant to herbicides are being developed : Herbicide-resistant plants are now being developed. Seed is another example of genetic modification and its uses in plant physiology research. When the gene in the seeds is altered, the plants can withstand larger levels of herbicide contamination. One of the most important aspects of farming is weed control. Farmers can grow a crop that can withstand herbicides by employing modified seeds. As a result, weed control on the farms becomes simple.

12. Cont.. Adapting to Climate Change   The effects of global warming and agricultural practices are intertwined, and variations in normal temperatures caused by global warming influence agriculture. Rainfall patterns are also changing as a result of global warming. Weather extremes are becoming increasingly common due to the shifting nature of the planet’s climate. Heatwaves and thunderstorms, for instance, are extremely common nowadays. Variations in the weather lead to changes in environmental pests and pathogens.

13. Cont.. Crops are being affected by harsh weather in a variety of ways. Due to the unfavourable effects of weather, the nutritional content of the crops is changing. In addition, sea levels are rising as a result of  global warming . Crop productivity in low-altitude nations has been impacted as a result. In some locations, global warming may result in food scarcity. Understanding plant physiology is extremely important in these situations for developing crop-protection methods.

14. Plant physiology’s role in horticulture Pomology : It is concerned with the cultivation of fruits. Pomology is primarily concerned with cultivating pome fruits like apple, pear, and quince. Stone fruit cultivation, like nectarine, peach, cherry, apricot, and plum, is also included. In addition, pomology deals with the production of tiny fruits, including blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and grape. Ultimately, one of the most significant operations in the subject of Pomology is the cultivation of nut tree fruits. Vegetable Production : It is an activity that is concerned with the cultivation of food crops. Vegetable plants are used to produce crops. Here different parts of the plant can be used as food like fruits, stems, seeds etc.

15. Cont.. Floriculture : It’s a domain dedicated to flower cultivation. This domain concentrates on cultivating bedding plants, potted plants, bulbs, and floral designs. Environmental Horticulture : It is the area that concerns the cultivation of woody and herbaceous nursery plants. The area also focuses greatly on landscape management and design.